Volunteering and young people director jobs

Do you believe every young person deserves the chance to dream big about their future? At MyBigCareer, that belief drives everything we do.

We're a small but mighty charity supporting young people aged 11–18 from underserved communities across London and the North East, helping them build the knowledge, confidence and connections to thrive in the world of work. Since 2013 we've supported over 20,000 young people through personalised careers guidance, coaching and employability programmes, working alongside schools, corporate partners and a network of more than 300 inspirational volunteers.

The role

This is a dual-focus role sitting right at the heart of how we deliver our impact. You'll lead our volunteer programme nationally; recruiting, training and supporting the coaches and volunteers who deliver our programmes, while also overseeing programme delivery across our London partner schools.

On the volunteer side, you'll manage the full volunteer journey from recruitment and DBS checks through to training, engagement and retention, and act as our organisation's DBS Lead. On the delivery side, you'll coordinate and deliver MyBigCareer programmes in London, acting as a key relationship holder for school partners and ensuring young people receive consistently high-quality careers guidance and employability support.

This is a hands-on role for someone equally comfortable with strategic coordination and direct delivery, who thrives in a close-knit, values-led small team.

About you

You'll bring experience in volunteer management, programme coordination or a similar role, ideally in the charity or education sector. You'll be a confident communicator, a natural relationship builder, and someone who cares deeply about equity and social mobility.

Essential experience and skills include:

• Experience managing or coordinating volunteers, ideally in a charity, education or community setting
• Experience coordinating or delivering programmes or projects with multiple stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• Confidence delivering workshops, training or presentations to groups
• Sound understanding of safeguarding principles
• Competent with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and CRM systems

Desirable:

• Experience in or with schools or education settings
• Experience as or supporting a DBS Lead
• Knowledge of or connections to London communities
• Lived experience of the inequalities faced by the young people we support

Our values

Compassion First. Dream Big. Empower Others. Act with Purpose. It's really important to us that whoever joins us lives and works by these values and is at their best working collaboratively in a small, mission-driven team.

The details

• Salary: £30,000–£32,500 FTE (pro rata for part time)
• Permanent contract, full time (37hrs) or part time (minimum 30hrs) considered
• Hybrid; home-based with at least weekly travel to London and occasional UK travel
• 27 days annual leave + bank holidays + Christmas closure
• Target start date: August 2026
• Enhanced DBS check required

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the inequalities faced by the young people we support, and from those with existing knowledge of or connections to London communities.

Closing date: 13th May 2026 1st round interviews: w/c 1st June | 2nd round: w/c 8th June

This is a challenging and rewarding position within a friendly and fast-paced charity, with clear growth amibitions and a determination to make a real impact on the employment prospects of young people with the most barriers to entering work.

You will bring ambition, ideas, clarity and consistency to income generation functions across the organisation. You will lead on bid-writing, as well as relationship building, cultivation and stewardship of local and national grant makers.

You will also help to develop new income streams for the charity, including building and mobilising a network of supporters and donors, to drive individual giving, sponsorship and fundraising activities.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Experience

•A track record (over three years) of securing income from trusts and foundations.

• A track record of securing income through individual giving and fundraising activities.

• Managing the full funding cycle, from prospect research, through to relationship stewardship and reporting.

• Managing a pipeline of multiple funders and donors.

• Managing multiple deadlines and a varied pipeline.

• Use of data and CRM systems to manage and track activity.

• Implementation of digital fundraising campaigns and donor journey tracking (desirable).

• Working within the education, charities and/or the voluntary youth sector (desirable).

Skills

• Exceptionally strong writing skills, with the ability to produce compelling funding applications and funder reports.

• Engaging communication skills, with the ability to adapt language and messaging to different platforms and audiences.

• Excellent numeracy and budget building skills.

• Accuracy and meticulous attention to detail.

• Very strong relationship-building and communication skills.

• Creativity with the ability to make connections between themes and pull together engaging content to feed into fundraising activities.

• Highly organised, with an attention to detail.

• Excellent project management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

Attitude

• Positive and solution focussed.

• Self-assured, with a ‘can-do’ approach and the confidence to bring ideas to the table.

• Thrives in a fast-paced and busy environment.

• Self-motivated and able to work independently.

• Welcomes feedback, with a desire to continuously improve and develop.

• Passionate and enthusiastic about improving young people’s lives.

• A commitment to our organisational values - empowerment, collaboration, reliability, quality, and learning.

WHAT WE OFFER

• £40,891 per annum

• 28 days leave (inc. 3 days between Christmas and New Year)

• 2 volunteering days

• 1 life event day

• Matched pension contributions (up to 6%)

• Flexible working (our core business hours are 10am to 3pm)

• Life insurance (5 x annual salary)

• Canada Life WeCare employee support package

This is a challenging and rewarding position within a friendly and fast-paced charity, with clear growth amibitions and a determination to make a real impact on the employment prospects of young people with the most barriers to entering work.

This position will bring clarity, consistency and impact to marketing and communications across the charity. The focus will be to raise our profile, tell our story, and articulate our impact, to help to build meaningful relationships with diverse partners and stakeholders.

With a resonsibility for marketing, communications, brand management and stakeholder engagement events, the postholder will take a joined-up approach across digital, media, events and stakeholder communications, ensuring our brand is consistently represented, and our work reaches and engages the right audiences.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Experience 

• A track record (over three years) of successfully delivering in a similar or related role. 

• Delivery of high quality, effective communications across digital and print channels. 

• Creation of compelling and accessible digital and print resources and materials. 

• Management of website content and social media channels, implementing strategies and approaches to raise profiles and boost engagement .

• Engagement and liaison with local and nation al media publications.

• Writing, editing and proofreading to a very high standard. 

• Management and planning of stakeholder engagement events and activities .

• Management of high-profile Ambassadors and advocates (desirable).

• Implementation of campaigns, to drive engagement and system s change (desirable).

• Working within the education, charities and/or the voluntary youth sector (desirable).   

Skills 

• Excellent digital and design skills, with the ability to create compelling, professional and accessible resources, reports and promotional materials. 

• Engaging written communication skills, with the ability to adapt language and messaging to different platforms and audiences. 

• A flexible approach with the ability to identify the best social, digital and print channels for a wide variety of messaging, and monitoring effectiveness through accessing, collating and analysing data.

• Creativity with the ability to make connections between themes and pull together engaging content to feed into communications. 

• Exceptional communication skills, able to speak confidently with young people, professionals, funders and senior business stakeholders. 

• Highly organised, with an attention to detail, excellent project management skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.   

Attitude 

• Positive and solution focussed.

• Self-assured, with a ‘can-do’ approach and the confidence to bring ideas to the table. 

• Thrives in a fast-paced and busy environment. 

• Welcomes feedback, with a desire to continuously improve and develop. 

• Passionate and enthusiastic about improving young people’s lives. 

• A commitment to our organisational values, of empowerment, collaboration, reliability, quality, and learning.

WHAT WE OFFER

• £40,891 per annum

• 28 days leave (inc. 3 days between Christmas and New Year)

• 2 volunteering days

• 1 life event day

• Matched pension contributions (up to 6%)

• Flexible working (our core business hours are 10am to 3pm)

• Life insurance (5 x annual salary)

• Canada Life WeCare employee support package

Are you passionate about building meaningful relationships, using creativity to solve problems, and delivering engaging experiences for our supporters and volunteers?

Here at Rainbows Children’s Hospice, we provide specialist palliative care and end-of-life support to over 750 Babies, Children, and Young People living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, as well as approximately 3,000 people, including families, siblings, and carers, across the East Midlands. Simply put, we’re here to brighten short lives and support families, wherever they are.

We are currently seeking a Volunteer Coordinator to join our dedicated Volunteering Team at Rainbows. Volunteers play a pivotal role in supporting every aspect of our vital work – from fundraising and events, to our retail shops and the hospice itself – with over 350 individuals generously volunteering their time, skills, and passion.

We are looking for a positive and enthusiastic individual who will help ensure volunteers feel welcomed, supported, and confident, enabling them to make a meaningful difference to children, young people and families across our services.

Location: Primarily an office-based role, at our hospice in Loughborough.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. Some flexibility is required, as occasional evening and weekend working and regional travel will be part of supporting volunteers.

About the role

As a Volunteer Coordinator, you will play a key role in shaping how people volunteer with Rainbows. You’ll lead on volunteer recruitment across the East Midlands, building relationships with communities and organisations, and supporting individuals to find opportunities that match their motivations, skills and strengths. Once volunteers are involved, you’ll help ensure they feel confident, informed and well supported, working closely with colleagues to create positive volunteering experiences.

Key Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

· Recruitment, Selection, and Induction: Be the first point of contact for volunteering enquiries and applications, ensuring a seamless onboarding process.

· Volunteer Support and Supervision: Act as the central point of contact for volunteers at Rainbows, offering guidance and support throughout their volunteering journey.

· Team Collaboration: Provide staff with proactive support and best practices for volunteer management, engagement, and stewardship.

· Operational Duties: Maintain accurate volunteer records, ensuring GDPR compliance, and provide KPI data as needed.

· Further responsibilities in the role of a Volunteer Coordinator at Rainbows, can be found by downloading the Job Description.

Requirements

While previous experience working with volunteers is ideal, it is not essential. What matters most is your ability to:

• Build connections with a diverse range of people through exceptional interpersonal skills and empathy.
• Approach tasks with positivity and enthusiasm, inspiring others to get involved.
• Confidently use databases and Microsoft Office packages, with strong administrative skills and a good understanding of GDPR processes.

Further requirements can be found by downloading the Person Specification.

Our Benefits include:

· Free onsite parking at the Hospice, Lark Rise, Loughborough.

· Eligibility to join blue light card discount scheme and Company Shop.

· Simply Health Cashback plan.

· Life Assurance.

· 27 days holiday plus bank holidays.

· Contributory pension scheme or Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme

· Affordable meals at the Hospice, Lark Rise, Loughborough.

· Free Tea, Coffee and Fruit whilst at the Hospice

· Free access to Health Assured employee assistance programme

· Wellbeing support and access to Mental Health First Aiders

· Unofficial benefits: Fun events like Total Wipe Out, All staff away days, Guest visitors

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and barring Service Check) and pre-employment checks.

Are you an exceptional Head of Youth looking for a senior leadership role in a ground-breaking charity? Come lead our work with, by and for young people aged 11–25 at the Winch.

You will oversee the design and delivery of effective and innovative programmes, secure funding to advance young peoples opportunties and build strong partnerships that support our strategic goals. As part of the senior management team, you will play a key role in driving our mission to create communities where all children and young people can thrive. You will model our core values of Joy, Care and Courage.

We have recently secured funding from Propel for the Inspiring Inclusion initiative—a seven-year, multi-agency partnership focused on transforming the school system for Black and racially minoritised students at risk of exclusion, particularly those affected by adverse childhood experiences. As Head of Youth, you will act as programme lead and external ambassador for the partnership.

Location: London-only (hybrid working: 40-60% of the week in the office)

1st stage interviews: 8th May in our South London Centre

2nd stage interviews: 12th May over MS Teams

For more information or to apply, please click "apply now" to be directed to our careers site.

The Philanthropy Administrator is the backbone of a team that raises up to £18m each year to support young people across the UK. This role brings rhythm, structure and momentum to busy, high‑value fundraising activity, making sure ideas turn into action and plans land smoothly. Your organisation and coordination keep the philanthropy team focused, effective and able to deliver at pace.

You will keep the engine running day to day. This includes coordinating donor events and engagement activity, managing CRM updates and RSVPs, arranging travel and logistics, supporting senior colleagues and keeping finances, invoices and budgets on track. Whether you are pulling together event packs, setting up meetings or making sure suppliers are paid on time, your work removes friction and creates space for fundraisers to do what they do best: build relationships and secure vital funding.

This role has a direct line to impact. When the philanthropy team is well supported, income flows and that income funds programmes that help young people develop skills, confidence and opportunities for the future. You will be part of a collaborative, inclusive team where strong administration is valued, trusted and celebrated for the difference it makes.

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV and a Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need Philanthropy Administrators? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training. The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives, and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Philanthropy Administrators! 

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

Equal Opportunities 

Here at The King's Trust, we're committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We want to be an organisation that's representative of the communities we serve, which is why we strive for diversity of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, race, religion and sex. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone, from any background, can be themselves and do the best work of their lives. 

We are looking for people who can bring different perspectives and experiences, and especially welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our organisation and sector, such as candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.  

We’re a Stonewall Top 100 Employer, and we are an employer that is Disability Confident. Our staff, volunteers and young people are supported by KT CAN (our Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network) and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 

Safeguarding 

The King's Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment, we undertake basic disclosure checks in accordance with the Codes of Practice for all roles within the Trust, and for our roles working directly with young people, at an enhanced level. Having a criminal record will not automatically exclude applicants. 

A NOTE FOR RECRUITMENT AGENCIES:

We prefer to hire people directly, but we do have a preferred supplier list for when we need a helping hand. We'll be in touch directly if we need you!

Req ID: 3943 

We are looking for a strategic, values-driven and collaborative Charity Director/CEO to lead DS Achieve (a small charity) through its next stage, building on strong foundations to ensure long-term sustainability and meaningful impact for the families we support.

This is a rewarding opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of a small community-focused charity supporting children and young people with Down Syndrome. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership, guide the development of the organisation, and support a committed team to deliver high-quality services for families across Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.

Please see the attached Role Profile for details.

At Ambitious about Autism, we are looking for a Programme Director – Service Development to join our team. You'll develop Ambitious about Autism's and the Trust's education and care services for autistic children and young people.

You'll lead on key strategic projects to extend existing or develop new education and care services for autistic children and young people, providing strong project leadership, strategic integration and managing project-related governance. You'll identify and pursue new business opportunities to drive growth and expansion of our educational settings, including school bids.

You'll be involved in new service development, conducting thorough assessment to identify gaps and opportunities for new provisions or products, whilst developing innovative concepts for new services and seeking approval through business cases. You'll also provide leadership to the Service Development team, with line management of 3 direct reports, whilst upholding Ambitious about Autism's core values.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Extensive business development and project planning knowledge
• Working knowledge of the education, health or social care of children/young people with SEND
• Working knowledge of: The social, policy, regulatory issues affecting children and young people with special educational needs or Commissioning and service delivery for children, young people and their families
• Proven experience of leading the development and delivery of new services for children, young people and/or adults with special educational needs or disabilities either from a third sector, educational, health or local authority background
• Experience of developing strategic and business plans

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Be part of something transformative.

Join Rape Crisis South London (RCSL) at a time of significant change and growth from our current base of c£4million.  We’re looking for a qualified, skilled, values-driven Director of Finance and Resources to join our leadership team.
 

With a new CEO, Senior Leadership Team and a bold and inspiring new vision, this is a pivotal moment for our organisation as we lay the foundations and transform in the run up to a new organisational strategy. 

We’re a specialist charity supporting survivors of sexual violence across twelve South London boroughs providing counselling, group therapy, advocacy, and prevention education, alongside training for professionals.

If you’re ready to use your financial and strategic expertise to make a real impact for survivors, we’d love to hear from you
 

About the Role

As our Director of Finance and Resources, you’ll be a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, leading on:
 

• Strategic financial planning and advice for future growth and sustainability of the Charity
• Operational Financial Management, Reporting and Performance 
• Financial Accounts and Annual Reports
• Financial Control, Governance, Audit, and Compliance
• IT, Facilities, and Information Governance
• Management of teams and contracts in the Finance and Resources Directorate

You’ll work closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees to support our strategic vision and ensure sound financial stewardship to deliver support for survivors now and into the future.  The position is offered on a flexible, hybrid and part time basis. 
 

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:
 

• Professionally qualified (or equivalent) in finance management and accountancy
• Experienced and deeply knowledgeable in senior financial leadership and strategy development in the voluntary sector/an equivalent size charity 
• A skilled and experienced leader and manager of people, contracts and major service change projects
• Collaborative, analytical, and proactive in problem-solving
• Committed to feminist principles and to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Ideally also skilled in overseeing IT, building and premises management and information governance, with training and support available where required. 

As well as experienced Directors, this role would also suit an exceptional Head of Finance looking to step up into their first Director role.

What We Offer

• 27 days’ annual leave + 8 bank holidays (pro rata)
• 3 extra gifted days (pro rata) between 27–31 December
• NEST pension (3% employer / 5% employee)
• Life Assurance, Healthcare Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, and Cycle-To-Work Scheme
• Supportive, feminist working culture

Safeguarding Responsibility
The post-holder will share responsibility for promoting and upholding the organisation’s safeguarding standards. This includes ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children, young people, and adults at risk; recognising and reporting concerns promptly; following all safeguarding policies and procedures; and contributing to a culture in which everyone feels safe, respected, and supported.

Safer Recruitment

Rape Crisis South London is committed to safer recruitment practices to ensure the protection and wellbeing of the survivors who access our services. All recruitment decisions are made with safeguarding as a central consideration.
 

Our safer recruitment process includes:
 

• Conducting thorough interviews that explore values, behaviours, and safeguarding awareness.
• Verifying identity, qualifications, employment history, and references.
• Requiring an Enhanced DBS check (with barred-list checks where applicable).
• Providing safeguarding training and ongoing supervision for all staff and volunteers.
   

We expect all members of our team to share our commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and trauma-informed environment. Any information disclosed during the recruitment process will be treated confidentially and in line with our safeguarding policies.
 

DBS Requirement

Rape Crisis South London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of survivors. All roles within our organisation involve working with vulnerable adults and may involve contact with young people. As such, employment is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced OR Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including checks of the relevant barred lists.

Our Feminist Commitment
Rape Crisis South London is a proudly feminist organisation. Our work is rooted in the belief that sexual violence is both a cause and consequence of gender inequality. We recognise that women and girls experience disproportionate levels of sexual violence, and we are committed to challenging the structures, attitudes, and behaviours that enable this harm.

We centre the voices, rights, and experiences of survivors in everything we do. Our approach is grounded in empowerment, intersectionality, and inclusivity, recognising that women’s experiences are shaped by factors such as race, class, sexuality, disability, migration status, and identity.

By joining our team, you will be part of a movement working to end sexual violence and to create a society where all women and girls live free from oppression, fear, and harm.

EDI Statement
RCSL is an equal opportunities employer, and we are particularly keen to receive applications from women underrepresented in leadership roles in the violence against women and girls movement. Particularly if you have experience working in diverse background.

Charity values and ethos
A world free from sexual violence, where survivors are believed, respected, and supported.

Mission Statement
Providing specialist support to women and girls who have experienced rape and/or childhood sexual violence and abuse.

Interview process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a three stage interview process:

Stage one: Phone call from CEO
Stage two: Staff panel
Stage three: Formal interview with CEO and Chair/ or Trustee via MS Teams

The whole process may take up to 3 -4 weeks.

If you do not here from us within 1 month of applying, please assume you have been unsuccessful.

Interview Questions
As part of our values-led interview process, we will explore your experience and approach to safeguarding, EDI, wellbeing, feminism, role-specific responsibilities, and trauma-informed practice. For management positions, we will also discuss your people-leadership skills.

Learning and Development
As a charity currently going through an exciting period of transformation, we welcome people who are enthusiastic about continuous learning and development.

This post is open to female applicants only, as being female is deemed a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.  We are particularly keen to receive applications from women underrepresented in leadership roles in the violence against women and girls movement.
 
This post is open to women only (Schedule 9, Paragraph 1, Equality Act 2010).
We particularly welcome applications from women underrepresented in leadership roles in the VAWG sector. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

How to apply
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to in PDF format

AI in Job Applications 
We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences 

Country Director – Scotland

We are seeking a talented individual to join our Leadership team and help sustain and expand our programmes across Scotland.

Position: Country Director – Scotland
Salary: £53,836 - £59,012
Location: Hybrid with travel to Glasgow office at least once a week
Hours: 35 hours per week, full time
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Wednesday 6th May 2026
Interview Dates: 13th May (online) and 18th May (Glasgow)

About the Role

This is an exceptional opportunity to join The Fostering Network as one of four Country Directors, working closely with the CEO to deliver organisational strategic objectives.

You will lead and manage our work in Scotland, making a vital contribution to improving the lives of foster families, children and young people in foster care, while supporting fostering services across the country.

Key responsibilities include:

· Overall management and leadership of our work in Scotland

· Driving forward the monitoring, impact and evaluation of our work

· Developing and maintaining key stakeholder relationships including government, fostering services and sector partners

· Overseeing the development and delivery of sustainable, impactful programmes

· Securing grants, fundraising and promoting our work across the sector

· Budget management and financial oversight

· Identifying opportunities for innovation and collaboration

· Growing membership and maintaining our position as the leading fostering charity in the UK

· Acting as safeguarding lead for Scotland

About You

We are looking for a strategic, collaborative leader with extensive experience of the fostering sector.

You will bring:

· In-depth knowledge of foster care practice and children’s social care

· Experience working within statutory local authority social services

· A track record of leadership, line management and delivering change

· Experience of strategic planning, programme delivery and budget management

· Strong experience working with government officials and key stakeholders

· Excellent communication and relationship management skills

· The ability to inspire trust and credibility across a wide range of audiences

· Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise effectively

You will also demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, and the organisation’s mission and values.

About the Organisation: The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading fostering charity and membership organisation, dedicated to empowering, enriching and supporting the relationships at the heart of the fostering community.

They work across all four nations of the UK to improve outcomes for children and young people in foster care and to support foster carers and services.

What’s on Offer

· 38 days leave including bank holidays

· Flexible and hybrid working

· Enhanced maternity, adoption and sick pay

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Pension and life assurance

· Family friendly policies and fostering friendly leave

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Director of Services, Head of Fostering, Assistant Director Social Care, Service Director, Head of Operations, Programme Director, Children’s Services Manager

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client Not For Profit People.

Our Operations Director will lead the development of the operational infrastructure required to scale Fruitful Work nationally and internationally. Working in close partnership with the Founder & CEO, this role takes ownership of the systems, processes, team and organisational rhythms that enable the charity to grow rapidly and sustainably. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys building from the ground up, turning vision into reliable execution, and creating the foundations that allow a small team to deliver outsized impact.

You will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the organisation and lead the recruitment and management of a growing operations team as Fruitful Work expands.

Please see our attached candidate pack for the full role description

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy levels amongst people in the criminal justice system?

We’ve made substantial progress in recent years, with improvements and expansions to our delivery model and significant growth in our staff team. In Spring 2026, we will launch our refreshed organisational strategy, which will shape our work over the next three years and beyond. To support this growth, we are recruiting for a full time National Director of Operations to lead our delivery across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and emerging community settings, with an ambition to reach Scotland. This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in scaling our impact and strengthening our presence across the criminal justice system and beyond.

As National Director of Operations, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for our learning programmes in prisons and community settings. You will ensure high‑quality, consistent and accessible delivery, overseeing a team of six Regional Managers and a wider workforce of around 65 staff, volunteers and over 2,000 peer mentors trained each year.

Working closely with senior colleagues, partner organisations and national bodies such as HMPPS, you will drive programme excellence, innovation and partnership working. You will also play a key role in new business development, operational strategy, contractual delivery and ensuring we can reliably demonstrate the impact of our work.

The role requires an experienced operational leader with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for people facing disadvantage. You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience in a complex, multi‑site environment.
• A track record of delivering large-scale programmes and leading distributed teams.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem‑solving and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience working with statutory bodies or large public-sector partners (e.g. HMPPS).
• Excellent judgement, communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels.
• Understanding of the criminal justice system, safeguarding, or alternative education environments (desirable).
• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style aligned with Shannon Trust’s values.

We want to hear from applicants who are as committed to the cause as we are.

This is a home-based role but will require travel around the UK including overnight stays. This role is 5 days per week (35 hours) with working days/hours to be mutually agreed in line with business needs.

Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. This role does require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

Interviews, which will be held online, are planned for the w/c 18th May.

Assessment Centre: 7th of May in-person at our Birmingham Centre

Are you ready to step into a vibrant role at The King’s Trust where you'll build meaningful connections and support young people to prepare for their future?

This is an opportunity for you to take the lead in bringing our exciting education programmes to young people across Birmingham and the West Midlands. Working flexibly and dynamically, your role will be to ensure that our young people have an exceptional experience and gain life-changing positive outcomes through effective delivery partner engagement and high-quality service delivery. Assist and support our dedicated volunteers in bringing The Trust's programmes to life.

They will rely on you for access to training, resources, and guidance to adhere to our high standards of delivery and have a fantastic volunteering experience. You’ll also be our compliance hero, ensuring that our delivery partners and volunteers are up to speed with all the necessary policies that keep things running smoothly. You’ll be adaptable, resilient and adept at problem solving – ready to tackle any minor setbacks that come along with enthusiasm and confidence. Your attention to detail and passion for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion will shine through as you accurately and efficiently record data collected from young people, volunteers, or partners. It is essential that each step of their journey is accurately documented in our systems and aligns with the requirements of our funding contracts, which are at the forefront of championing EDI.

Your commitment and advocacy for our most vulnerable young people will ignite transformative action, sparking real change as we put those local plans into play and excel in achieving our EDI goals. Are you ready to step up and lead sessions with young people when the moment calls? Having a background in education or working with high school age students could be an advantage in this role, whether you're familiar with the intricacies of the education system or you've walked in the shoes of a teaching or young person support role before. If not, we’d still love to hear from you as you will receive wrap-around support and upskilling opportunities from the moment you step into the role.

You’ll also be collaborating with and supported by fellow programme facilitators across the organisation to produce creative solutions for streamlining national delivery, so there will always be someone there to support you as develop in the role. If you are a strong communicator with sharp problem-solving skills, you could be just the person we are looking for. 
 

Expect the unexpected and embrace it. Come and be a part of our mission!

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferrable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need Youth Development Leads? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with every three in four moving into a positive outcome for either work, education or training. Youth Development Leads play a crucial role in supporting young people, no matter the young person's background or current circumstances, to fulfil their full potential. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Youth Development Leads! 

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Unless the location of the role is remote, the Youth Development Lead role requires a combination of office days and working from home. 
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• Cycle-to-Work Scheme
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

Context and Purpose of the Role

After five years of dedicated leadership, GROW’s Managing Director is moving on. We are now seeking an exceptional, values-led leader to guide GROW through the next phase of our 2030 strategy and help realise our ambition to become a movement-shaping force within agroecology.

GROW is entering a pivotal stage of growth. Our focus now is on strengthening team capacity, centring community voice, developing pathways to leadership and employment, deepening hyper-local networks, and contributing more visibly to the agroecology sector.

With strong financial foundations, a committed team, and a long-standing partnership with a progressive secondary school, this is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation uniquely positioned at the intersection of farming, education, and community action.

The Managing Director will provide clear strategic direction and overall leadership, ensuring GROW remains responsibly-governed, financially resilient, and grounded in its agroecological values. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, they will nurture and inspire a multidisciplinary team of 16 employees and freelancers, strengthen key partnerships, and guide the organisation’s continued development and impact.

Job Title: Managing Director
Reports to: Board of Trustees
Salary: £48,000-£53,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full Time, 40 hours per week (9am-5pm with 1-hour paid lunch break)
Location: Hybrid. Minimum 3 days a week on site at The Totteridge Academy, Barnet Lane, N20 8AZ (more days on site expected for the first 3-6 months)
Pension: GROW participates in the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) pension scheme and contributes 3%.
Benefits: 30% off all GROW Farm produce, annual training budget, subsidised lunches, and a generous holiday allowance of 28 days plus bank holidays.
Probation period: 6 months

GROW is a site-based organisation, and our farm sits at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for a Managing Director who is as comfortable talking with students, volunteers and visitors as they are shaping strategy and leading the organisation’s future. This is a role for a thoughtful, adaptable and hands-on leader who can hold the big picture while staying closely connected to our farm, outdoor programmes and the communities we work alongside.

Leadership at GROW is practical, relational and rooted in place. One day you might be gathering feedback from our Student Board of Advisors, listening to how our programmes are working for the young people who shape them. The next, you might be at the farm stall chatting with local community members selling jars of GROW’s homemade pickles. The Managing Director helps ensure that these everyday moments remain central to the organisation.

The successful candidate will lead a small, committed team of 16 staff, nurturing a culture that is collaborative, knowledgeable and grounded in our values. They will guide GROW’s strategic direction while staying attentive to the daily rhythms of farm and school life that make it a vibrant place for learning, growing and connection. 

Trustees recognise the breadth of this role and are committed to strengthening the organisation’s operational capacity. An early priority for the new Managing Director will be to shape and secure support for an additional capacity-building role that complements their leadership and enables GROW to thrive in the years ahead.

1. Strategy, Governance & Risk

• Provide overall leadership and strategic development of the charity.
• Oversee and report on organisational performance to the Board of Trustees quarterly.
• Ensure charity policies and legal guidelines are up to date, clearly communicated, and embedded in everyday culture.
• Ensure statutory filings (e.g. Charity Commission, Companies House) are accurate and timely.
• Maintain and regularly review the organisational Risk Register and report key risks and mitigations to the Board.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, including charity law, employment law, data protection, health & safety, safeguarding, and environmental regulations.
• Lead on crisis management and serious incident reporting.
• Prepare high-quality written reports for Board and sub-committee meetings.
• Advise Trustees on strategic opportunities, risks, and sector trends. Support Trustee recruitment, induction, and development.
• Enable Trustees to fulfil their governance responsibilities effectively.
• Engage relevant professional expertise where appropriate to support decision making. 

2. Operations, Education & Farm

• Ensure operational resilience, deputising and covering critical functions during staff absence.
• Work closely with Education Leads to develop the quality of our educational
• programmes, ensuring they align with agroecological principles.
• Ensure thorough Risk Assessments are completed, communicated, and
• implemented for all activities and programmes.
• Support the income generation strategy for the Farm.
• Support the Farm Manager with infrastructure development, including planning permission applications.

3. Finance & Fundraising

• Act as the main point of contact for the charity’s accountants.
• Develop and oversee organisational budgets, leading annual budget-setting and ongoing monthly, quarterly, and forecast reviews.
• Develop and deliver the annual income generation and fundraising strategy with the Head of Fundraising.
• Oversee effective impact reporting with the Head of Fundraising.
• Develop and implement plans to improve cost-efficiency.
• Support the completion of large and complex fundraising bids.

4. Partnerships

• Act as the main point of contact for GROW’s key partner, The Totteridge Academy (TTA), and the Academy Trust, United Learning, to ensure the partnership is effective and positive.
• Build and develop partnerships with schools, youth services, local authority, community growing networks and organisations to support the long-term development of educational programmes and participant recruitment and local environmental impact.

5. Marketing & Profile

• Oversee the charity’s overall marketing and communications strategy.
• Retain strategic oversight of all core marketing and communications, including the press opportunities, charity’s website, printed materials, and promotional content, ensuring that GROW’s voice, values, and impact are communicated clearly and consistently.
• Build and enhance the charity’s public profile through events, speaking engagements, and external representation.

6. People, HR & Safeguarding

• Manage and support the team to effectively perform their roles and develop within GROW, ensuring staff are fully trained and confident with organisational policies.
• Lead the recruitment and onboarding of all staff in line with Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and Safeguarding policies, and Safer Recruitment best practice.
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead and ensure compliance with any safeguarding requirements set by partner school, The Totteridge Academy.
• Be rigorously mindful of child safeguarding at all times, embedding safeguarding policies in everyday culture and remain up to date with relevant legislation and training.
• Oversee HR processes including appraisals, performance management, and professional development.
• Develop progressive internal systems, policies, and training that promote a fair, inclusive, and supportive workplace, grounded in our agroecological principles.
• Ensuring the organisation is GDPR compliant and acts as the Data Protection Lead.

7. Values & Culture

• Act as a role model for GROW’s guiding agroecological principles and organisational values in all internal and external relationships.
• Create a supportive, nurturing, high-trust culture in which staff and freelancers can thrive.
• Champion a culture of reflection, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Centre community voice in decision making, governance, and organisational strategy

Direct reports:
Farm Manager
TTA Education Lead
Senior Facilitator
Head of Fundraising
Freelance Programme Leads

This job description is not exhaustive; as a small and evolving charity, flexibility is essential and all staff are expected to take a hands-on approach and support wider organisational needs where required.
 

Person Specification

Essential Personal Qualities

• Strong alignment with GROW’s mission, agroecological principles, and organisational values.
• Ability to lead and nurture a strong, cohesive, and collaborative team intuitively
• and with empathy.
• Resilient and adaptable.
• Calm under pressure.
• Collaborative by nature and solution-focussed in approach.
• Strong commitment to inclusive working practices and social justice.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience working in a Senior Leadership role within a not-for-profit,
• education, and/or environmental sectors.
• Experience of building and maintaining successful partnership work, for example
• with farms, schools, local authorities, funders, and/or community organisations.
• Significant experience of managing and developing staff and freelancers in a
• small team.
• Proven ability to lead organisational strategy and translate it into operational plans.
• Experience working with, and reporting to, a Board or governing body.
• Experience of financial management, including budgets, forecasting, and working with accountants.
• Track record in contributing to fundraising, including securing major bids.
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, and risk in a regulated environment.
• Experience of safeguarding within an education, youth, or community context.
• Understanding of legal, progressive and inclusive HR systems and policies.
• Ability to develop and oversee marketing and communications that clearly articulate organisational mission, build community engagement and support financial sustainability.
• Demonstrable experience handling and reviewing legal documentation, including contracts, leases, and formal agreements.

Essential Skills & Abilities

• Strategic thinker, able to see and drive forward the “big picture” while managing operational detail.
• Skilled and inclusive people manager, able to motivate, develop, and challenge others.
• Excellent, adaptable and confident communication skills.
• Ability to prioritise and manage a broad and competing workload.
• Effective decision-making and ability to work independently with accountability.
• Strong relationship-builder with credibility across diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to lead teams through change and uncertainty.
• Strong organisational and administrative capability.
• Sound judgement and a high level of discretion when handling confidential or sensitive matters.

Desirable

• Experience or knowledge of agroecological farming.
• Experience working with local councils, schools, academy trusts, and authorities.
• Knowledge of charity and regulatory frameworks.
• Knowledge of the local Barnet area.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME

At GROW we’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified and eligible applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, gender identity or expression, race, national origin, religion or belief,
disability, age, sexual orientation or pregnancy and maternity. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, especially those who are under-represented in the charity and food growing sectors. This includes, but is not limited to, people from the global majority, neurodivergent individuals, and those with a range of lived experiences. 

We’re committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our community and brings a rich mix of perspectives, skills, cultures, and ways of thinking.